When we need a break (a prayer for pastors )

Dear God,
We need a break.
We need a break from
Losses that shake us,
Committees that say no
To our vision
Or to our selves,
Struggles with no solutions
(Churches, bodies, church bodies),
Wedding couples seeing
Churches as Venues
And clergy as Vendors,
Sixty hour weeks,
Though we accept the blame for that last one –
Most of the time.

Even so,
We need a break.
How long, O Lord?
How long?

But you are faithful
In your love for us,
So we count on
Something, anything,
Good happening
Even as we count down
The hours until vacation,
Or a congregational vote,
Or the birth of that longed-for baby.

We look for the break you offer
In the kind words of an elder,
And the warm hug of the home-for-summer student,
And the not-quite-right joke a proud 5-year-old tells at coffee,
And the just right story from the just-returned mission tripper.

We give thanks for the break anticipated,
The gathering of colleagues for recreation and REViving,
The relaxed air of a Summer Sunday service,
The faces of churchgoers who never miss a Sunday,
And the car, trunk packed and gas tank filled, ready to take us away.

Whether we travel to
Ocean or lake or mountains,
Or old home places,
Or a day trip to ride the roller coasters,
May we find the break we need,
The rest you offer.
Whether we wait for
Phone call or email,
Results of tests or exams,
May the end of the tension come soon.

And may we keep it together,
Until the key
Is in the ignition,
For Christ’s sake. Amen.